A  |   B  |   C  |   D  |   E  |   F  |   G  |   H  |   I  |   J  |   L  |   M  |   N  |   O  |   P  |   R  |   S  |   T  |   U  |   V  |   W  |   X

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A

Abfraction - Loss of tooth surface at the cervical areas of teeth (near the gum line) caused by tensile and compressive forces during tooth flexure. These are wedge shaped notches involving enamel loss. They are susceptible to decay & can be extremely sensitive due to dentine exposure. May or may not require treatment depending on the extent Abrasion - Abnormal loss of tooth structure due to non-masticatory friction such as using a hard toothbrush or improper brushing technique. Involved teeth may be cold or hot sensitive .Treatment involves correcting brushing technique, using a soft toothbrush and tooth colored bonding Abscess - A localized accumulation of pus caused by an infection. Once tooth decay infects the pulpal tissue inside the tooth, if left untreated will cause disintegration of the tissue and accumulation of pus in the pulpal and periapical tissues causing a periapical abscess. Abutment – A tooth , root or implant used for support and retention of a fixed or removable prosthesis Acetaminophen ( Tylenol-trade name ) – Non-nacrotic analgesic . Used in mild to moderate pain and fever AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) – disease caused by a retro-virus (HIV-1). Generalized lymphadenopathy, persistent fever, diarrhea and weight loss are some of the associated symptoms Acromegaly – A hormone disorder caused by excess production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland . Characterized by enlargement of the hands, feet, jaws, spacing between teeth and deepening of the voice due to enlarged sinuses and vocal cords. Patients who wear dentures will have to frequently replace them due to the enlargement of the jaws Acrylic resin - formed from acrylic acid. Used in dentistry to make denture teeth and temporary crowns ADA - American Dental Association, professional organization for dentists in the United States of America Adverse drug reaction - Harmful, unintended reaction to a drug administrated at a normal dosage Aglossia - Developmental anomaly in which a portion or all of the tongue is absent Alginate - Commercial varieties of alginate are extracted from seaweed. It absorbs water very quickly and is used in dentistry for making impressions Adhesive dentistry - contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth Air abrasion - removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic Allergy - unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug Alveolar bone - the portion of the jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth Amalgam - most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings”. It is an alloy of mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc. It does not chemically bond to the tooth structure and is not esthetic. Analgesia - a state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain Anesthesia - partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness Anterior teeth - the six upper or six lower front teeth Antibiotic - a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria ANUG - an acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking. Characterized by small punched out ulcers of the gingival papillae Apex - the tip of the root of a tooth Apicoectomy - surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth Arch - describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth Attrition - loss of structure due to natural wear

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B

Base - cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber) from temperature changes Bicuspid or pre-molar - transitional teeth behind the cuspids . They usually have two cusps buccal and lingual cusps hence the name, bicuspids. Bifurcation (trifurcation) - juncture of separation of two (three) roots from the root trunk in posterior teeth Biopsy - removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination Bite - relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion) to each other Bite wings - caries (decay) detection x-rays showing the crowns of the upper and lower molars in the section x-rayed Black hairy tongue - elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms Bleaching - chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect Block injection -anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw ; for example a mandibular block injection produces numbness of the lower jaw, teeth, half the tongue and lip on the side injected. Bonding - adhesive dental restoration technique; a tooth-colored composite resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth Bone resorption - decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease, caused by toxins released by the micro-organisms in plaque Braces - devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment Bridge – fixed dental prosthesis replacing one or more missing teeth ; cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space Bruxism – involuntary, unconscious, destructive grinding of the teeth, most commonly while the patient is asleep. Characterized by extensive wear of teeth , sensitive teeth and soreness of jaw joints upon awakening Bruxomania - persistent "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is awake

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C

Calcium - chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves Calculus - hard residue, commonly known as "tarter," that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown Canker sore - mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration . Also known as aphtous ulcers Cantilever bridge - fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end Cap - common term for dental crown Caries - tooth decay or "cavities" Cast or model - reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold or impression Cavitron - dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth Cellulitis - soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention. Can arise from an untreated tooth Cementum - hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth Chart - log of dental or medical records Clasp – metal or acrylic part of a removable partial denture that hooks on to natural teeth to retain the partial in the mouth Cleaning -removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line. Also referred to as Prophylaxis Composite resin - material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst Cosmetic (aesthetic) dentistry - treatments performed to enhance appearance by altering the shape and color of the teeth CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) - Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage Cross bite - reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; the lower teeth are ahead of the upper teeth in their relationship Crown - (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line; (2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth Curettage - removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket. Usually done in conjunction with scaling and root planning (deep cleaning) Cusp - mound on posterior teeth Cuspid or canine – transition from incisors to cusped teeth. Also called the ‘eye teeth ‘. They are the teeth with the longest roots and form the corners of the mouth Cyst - a soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid

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D

DDS - Doctor of Dental Surgery - equivalent to DMD DMD - Doctor of Medical Dentistry - equivalent to DDS Decay -destruction of tooth structure caused by acids produced by plaque microorganisms Deciduous teeth - commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of (usually) twenty teeth which begin to erupt at 5-6 months of age .Eruption is completed at the age of 21/2-3 years of age. Dentin –inner sensitive layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel Dental implant -a (usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance Dentition - the arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth Denture - removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth Diastema - space between teeth

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E

Enamel -hard tissue covering the outer portion of tooth above the gum line Endodontist -specialist who diagnoses and treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber) Epidemiology - study of the incidence of disease in a population Eruption -process of teeth protruding through the gums Exfoliate - process of shedding deciduous (baby) teeth Exodontia - practice of dental extractions Explorer - sharp instrument used to detect decay on the surface of teeth Extraction - removal of a tooth usually elevators and forceps Eyeteeth - the four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth

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F

Facing - tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown to alter the shape and color of the tooth; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain Filling -restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials to re-establish function and esthetics Fistula -channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil Flap surgery -lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures Forceps -instrument used for removal of teeth Forensic dentistry -practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues Full denture -removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing all upper or lower teeth Full mouth reconstruction -extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges/implants to re-establish normal relation of the teeth to each other and the jaws Frenectomy -removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth

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G

GTR -(guided tissue regeneration) a new technique for guiding bone growth and preventing epithelial ingrowths General anesthesia -controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command Geographic tongue -benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment Gingival - gum tissue Gingivectomy -surgical removal of gum tissue Gingivitis - inflammation of gum tissue Gum recession - exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery

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H

Halitosis -bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin Heimlich Maneuver -technique employed by rescuer for obstruction of victim's airway Hematoma -swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface HMO or DMO -health (dental) maintenance organization which specifies a health care (dental) provider a patient may see Hygienist -dental auxiliary who cleans teeth and provides patient education; administers local anesthetic, nitrous oxide and performs periodontal scaling Hyperemia -increased blood flow to a region

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I

Impacted tooth - If a tooth fails to emerge or emerges partially and remains embedded in soft gingiva (gum) tissue or bone is wedged against another tooth beyond its normal eruption time it is impacted. Implant - artificial titanium cylindrical device replacing tooth root; may anchor an artificial crown, bridge or denture Impression - mold made of the teeth and soft tissues Incision and drainage - surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus) Incisors - four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth) Infiltration -local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth, lower anterior teeth and soft tissue; involves placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone Inlay - indirect - filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented or bonded into place, direct - placement of dental composite resin restoration at chairside Interproximal - surfaces of adjoining teeth Interocclusal – space between upper and lower teeth Intraoral camera - a small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions;images may be printed

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J

Jacket crown - crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain

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L

Laminate -thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth Laughing gas - nitrous oxide; odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation); reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation Lesion -injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or tumor Local anesthesia -partial or complete elimination of pain sensation by blocking nerve impulses

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M

Malocclusion -"bad bite" or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth or jaw Mandible -the lower jaw Maryland bridge -a bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction .Usually used to replace a missing anterior tooth. Mastication -process of chewing food Maxilla -the upper jaw Meniscus -capsular cushion between temporomandibular joint and glenoid fossa (part of the base of the skull) Milk teeth -deciduous (baby) teeth Molars – cusped (4-5 cusps) posterior teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food. Moniliasis (thrush) - opportunistic fungal infection after prolonged administration of antibiotics ; not uncommon in the mouth Mucogingival junction (MGJ) - junction of thick, attached gingival tissue around the teeth and the unattached loose mucous lining of the cheeks and lips

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N

NSAID - non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic Nerve - tissue that transmits sensation of temperature, pressure and position information to the brain Nerve (root) canal - the internal chamber of a tooth which houses the nerve tissue Night guard - acrylic appliance used to prevent teeth wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding of the teeth during sleep Nitrous oxide(laughing gas) - a gas used to reduce patient anxiety during dental treatment Novocain - older brand name for a local anesthetic, currently replaced by safer, more effective agents

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O

Occlusion - relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure Onlay - laboratory processed porcelain or metal restoration covering one or more cusps of a tooth Oral and maxillofacial surgeon - a dental specialist with special training in surgery of the mouth and jaw. Diagnoses & surgical treats diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures; Requires four additional years of training after dental school Oral cavity - the mouth Oral hygiene - The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease, as by regular brushing and flossing and visits to a dentist. Oral and maxillofacial surgery - surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws Oral pathologist - dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases Orthodontics - dental specialty that treats mal -alignment of teeth and jaws Osseous – bone Overbite - vertical overlap of the front teeth Overdenture - denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants and provides added retention to the denture Overjet – horizontal overlap of the front teeth

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P

Palate - hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth Palliative treatment - non invasive treatment for pain relief Parasthesia - tingling, pricking, or numbness sensation (altered sensation)of a person's skin , more generally known as the feeling of pins and needles; may be temporary or permanent Partial denture - removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing one or more natural teeth Pathology - study of disease onset, course and duration Periapical (PA) - region at the end of the roots of teeth Periodontal surgery - recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue Periodontist - dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants Pedodontics or pediatric dentistry - dental specialty specializing in the treatment of children Periodontal chart – chart used to record pocket depths measurements around the teeth Permanent teeth – second and final set of teeth in humans ; (usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition Pit - a small defect in the tooth enamel; junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth Placebo - inert medication or treatment that produces psychological benefit Plaque - soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth; composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene Pontic – artificial tooth replacing one or two missing teeth ; part of a fixed bridge Porcelain crown - all porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line) to reestablish function and esthetics Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown - restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance) Porcelain inlay or onlay – lab processed tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place Porcelain veneers - a thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape Post - thin metal or fiber rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown Post-core - post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown PPO or PDO - preferred provider (dental) organization which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee for service treatment at reduced fees Prognosis - the anticipated outcome of treatment Prophylaxis – regular routine cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay Prosthesis - an artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part Prosthodontist - dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses Pulp - the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth Pulp cap - a medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue to aid healing Pulp chamber - the center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp Pulpectomy - complete removal of the infected pulp Pulpitis - inflammation of the pulp; common cause of toothache; could be reversible or irreversible Pulpotomy - partial removal of the pulp tissue commonly done in children teeth Pyorrhea - older term for periodontal (gum) disease

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R

Reimplantation – re-insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely avulsed tooth or teeth back into the socket , resulting from traumatic injury Reline - acrylic restoration of denture base to compensate for bone lossand soft tissue remolding ; direct: done at chairside(soft reline); indirect: in conjunction with a dental laboratory(lab reline ) Retained root - partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth Root canal – interior canal system of the tooth Root canal therapy - process of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert material Root resection - removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth Rubber dam - soft latex sheet used to establish isolation of one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat

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S

Saliva - clear lubricating protective fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles Saliva ejector - suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva and blood Salivary glands – glands located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva to lubricate the mouth and act on food to start the digestive process Scaling and root planning – professional removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces using hand instruments and ultrasonic devices Sealants - thin resin material bonded in the pits and fissures of back teeth for the prevention of decay Secondary dentin - reparative tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation Sequstrum - loosened spicule of bone pushed to the surface Sinusitis - infammation of the sinus that may mimic dental pain in the upper teeth Sleep apnea - the periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep Space maintainer - dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth until the eruption of the permanent teeth Supernumerary tooth - extra tooth Suppuration - pus

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T

Tartar - common term for dental calculus, a hard calcified deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque Tmd (or tmj disorder) - temperomandibular disorder; term given to condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw Tmj - the temporomandibular joint, the point where the lower jaw articulates with the skull Tooth bud - early embryonic structure that differentiates into a tooth Tooth whitening - a chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth Topical anesthetic – gel that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface aiding painless penetration of the anesthetic needle for profound dental anesthesia Torus – benign bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw seen in some people Transplant - placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth Trench mouth - gum disease characterized by severe mouth ulcers ,halitosis and loss of tissue. See ANUG.

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U

UCR - usual, customary and reasonable fees Unerupted tooth - a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch

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V

Veneer – thin composite or porcelain facing bonded directly to a natural tooth to improve its color and appearance. See laminate. Vertical dimension - distance between two fixed points on the upper and lower jaws measured upon closure at rest(no contact of teeth ) or at occlusion (maximum intercuspation of teeth ) may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth

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W

Wisdom teeth - third (last) molars that usually erupt at age 18-25

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X

Xerostomia - dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva

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